304 ROBERT S. SURTEES 



world. An old sportsman said to the writer, 

 "They'll be saying the same of the Bible 

 next " ; and I believe the remark was made 

 in all seriousness. 



" Jorrocks" was, however, soon vindicated. 

 From all parts of the kingdom, indeed I 

 believe from all parts of the world, came 

 letters to the editor which conclusively proved 

 that the "vogue" of Surtees' works was 

 perhaps greater than ever. I propose in the 

 following article to inquire into the causes of 

 that lasting popularity, although I am con- 

 siderably handicapped by writing at a time 

 and place at which I am unable to refer to 

 any of the works In question. 



One reason which might occur to the most 

 casual observer Is that, In those books which 

 are most generally before the public, Surtees 

 had the Immense advantage of co-operating 



